Giant-Leaf Paphiopedilum
CR

Giant-Leaf Paphiopedilum

Paphiopedilum gigantifolium

Declining

Photo: Photo: (c) WD, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND), uploaded by WD

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Paphiopedilum gigantifolium faces severe pressure from illegal collection for the international orchid trade, with its large, distinctive flowers making it highly sought after by collectors. Habitat destruction through deforestation and agricultural expansion in its limited range has further reduced available growing sites. The species' extremely restricted distribution and slow reproductive rate make it particularly vulnerable to local extinctions from overcollection.

Threat summary

Habitat

This terrestrial orchid inhabits humid montane forests at elevations between 1,200-1,800 meters, growing in deep leaf litter and humus-rich soils. It requires the specific microclimate conditions of undisturbed primary forest with consistent moisture and filtered light.

Rocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recoverySpecies reintroductionEx-situ conservationLegislation

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Acropora hemprichiiEN

Acropora hemprichii

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Bacan Myzomela

Myzomela batjanensis

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Hopea coriacea

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Giant-Leaf Paphiopedilum classified as Critically Endangered?
Giant-Leaf Paphiopedilum is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Paphiopedilum gigantifolium faces severe pressure from illegal collection for the international orchid trade, with its large, distinctive flowers making it highly sought after by collectors. Habitat destruction through deforestation and agricultural expansion in its limited range has further reduced available growing sites. The species' extremely restricted distribution and slow reproductive rate make it particularly vulnerable to local extinctions from overcollection.
Where does Giant-Leaf Paphiopedilum live?
Giant-Leaf Paphiopedilum occurs in Indonesia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Giant-Leaf Paphiopedilum?
The main threats to Giant-Leaf Paphiopedilum are 5.3, 5.4, 8.3, and ai-1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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